Best Beginner Motorcycles - A2 Legal (EU/UK) 2026
689 motorcycles
Scooters
Underbones
Naked Motorcycles
Sportbikes
Sport Tourers
Touring Motorcycles
Cruisers
Adventure Motorcycles
Dual-Sport Motorcycles
Enduro Bikes
Motocross Bikes
Supermotos
Trials Bikes
Minibikes
Electric Motorcycles
Beginner Friendly
How this is worked out: eligibility below is calculated from each motorcycle's published power and weight specs, not an official legal determination. EU/UK A2 uses the real formula (≤35kW, power-to-weight ≤0.2kW/kg) but can't account for factory-restricted variants of a more powerful base model. Australia's LAMS scheme is officially an approved list, not a pure formula - the power-to-weight ratio shown (≤150kW/tonne) is a strong indicator but always check the current state LAMS list before buying. The US has no federal beginner power cap, so those picks reflect commonly-recommended low-power specs, not a legal requirement. Always confirm current rules with your local licensing authority.
How this list is ranked - current models (2024-2027, newest year of each), scored out of 100
- 35 points - fit for purpose: a low seat, light weight and the most usable power within the licence limit, compared with every other bike in this list.
- 25 points - rider interest: how often riders look the bike up on MotorcycleDB.
- 20 points - owner ratings: the average MotorcycleDB rating, weighted by how many people rated it (unrated bikes get a neutral score).
- 10 points - complete data: power, torque, weight, seat height, tank, top speed and ABS on record.
- 10 points - verified specs: figures checked against published manufacturer sources.
No manufacturer pays to appear or to rank higher. A high score means a strong, well-documented bike for its class - always check the full specs and the size comparison for your own fit.
#49
2026 BMW C 400 GT
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 64/100 · 33.5 hp · 219 kg · 765 mm seat
The BMW C 400 GT is a practical maxi-scooter designed for commuters and touring riders seeking comfort and rel…
#50
2026 Honda Rebel 500 SE
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 64/100 · 45.6 hp · 191 kg · 690 mm seat
The 2026 Honda Rebel 500 SE is an accessible middleweight cruiser engineered for new and experienced riders se…
#51
2026 Honda Rebel 500
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 64/100 · 45.6 hp · 191 kg · 690 mm seat
The 2026 Honda Rebel 500 is a lightweight cruiser engineered for beginner and intermediate riders seeking an a…
#52
2026 Yamaha YZF-R125
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 64/100 · 15 hp · 141 kg · 820 mm seat
The 2026 Yamaha YZF-R125 is an entry-level sportbike designed for new riders and commuters seeking aggressive …
#53
2024 SYM Jet 14 125 LC
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 64/100 · 135 kg · 785 mm seat
The 2024 Sym Jet 14 125 LC is a practical commuter scooter ideal for urban riders seeking reliable daily trans…
#54
2026 Kawasaki KLX230
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 64/100 · 17 hp · 133 kg · 846 mm seat
The 2026 Kawasaki KLX230 is an approachable lightweight dual-sport motorcycle designed for beginner and amateu…
#55
2026 Kawasaki KLX300
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 64/100 · 25 hp · 137 kg · 895 mm seat
The 2026 Kawasaki KLX300 is a lightweight dual-sport designed for beginner and intermediate riders seeking aff…
#56
2024 Honda ADV150
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 64/100 · 14.6 hp · 133 kg · 795 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2024 Honda ADV150 is a sporty adventure-styled scooter designed for commuters and casual riders seeking fu…
#57
2026 Yamaha Neos
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 64/100 · 2.7 hp · 98 kg · 795 mm seat
The 2026 Yamaha NEOs is a compact urban commuter designed for novice and style-conscious riders seeking access…
#58
2026 Benda Napoleonbob 500
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 64/100 · 47 hp · 215 kg · 695 mm seat
The 2026 Benda Napoleonbob 500 is a retro-styled custom cruiser powered by a 475cc V2 four-stroke engine deliv…
#59
2024 Lambretta V125 Special
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 64/100 · 11.3 hp · 86 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2024 Lambretta V125 Special is a lightweight scooter ideal for urban commuters and riders seeking retro st…
#60
2026 Lambretta V200
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 64/100 · 12.1 hp · 86 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2026 Lambretta V200 is a modern retro scooter ideal for urban commuters and style-conscious riders seeking…
#61
2026 Bajaj Pulsar 150
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 64/100 · 14 hp · 141 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2026 Bajaj Pulsar 150 is a sporty commuter motorcycle designed for budget-conscious riders seeking style a…
#62
2026 Suzuki Access 125
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 64/100 · 8.6 hp · 106 kg · 773 mm seat
The 2026 Suzuki Access 125 is a popular family scooter sold in Asia, known for economy and practicality. Its a…
#63
2024 Honda Rebel 300 ABS
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 64/100 · 27 hp · 165 kg · 691 mm seat
The 2024 Honda Rebel 300 ABS is an approachable cruiser designed for new and smaller-framed riders seeking man…
#64
2026 Yamaha YZF-R3
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 63/100 · 42 hp · 169 kg · 780 mm seat
The Yamaha YZF-R3 is an accessible sport bike engineered for beginner and intermediate riders seeking genuine …
#65
2026 Yamaha NMAX 125
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 63/100 · 12.2 hp · 131 kg · 765 mm seat
The 2026 Yamaha NMAX 125 is a commuter scooter for city riders and learners on a 125 licence. Its liquid-coole…
#66
2026 Yamaha Nmax 155
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 63/100 · 12.1 hp · 127 kg · 765 mm seat
The 2026 Yamaha NMAX 155 is a practical and fuel-efficient scooter designed for urban commuters and casual rid…
#67
2026 Honda Shadow Aero
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 63/100 · 44.2 hp · 254 kg · 650 mm seat
The 2026 Honda Shadow Aero is a classic cruiser designed for riders seeking comfortable, accessible motorcycle…
#68
2026 Honda Activa
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 63/100 · 7.9 hp · 106 kg · 764 mm seat
The Honda Activa is a lightweight automatic scooter designed for daily commuters seeking reliable, fuel-effici…
#69
2024 Suzuki Smash 115
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 63/100 · 8.6 hp · 99 kg · 765 mm seat
The 2024 Suzuki Smash 115 is an affordable, lightweight scooter designed for budget-conscious commuters and fi…
#70
2026 Honda XR150L
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 63/100 · 12 hp · 128 kg · 833 mm seat
The 2026 Honda XR150L is an accessible dual-sport designed for beginner and recreational riders seeking advent…
#71
2026 Benda Rock 250
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 63/100 · 25.5 hp · 177 kg · 720 mm seat
The 2026 Benda Rock 250 is a lightweight custom cruiser designed for riders seeking classic styling with moder…
#72
2026 Malaguti XSM125 Adventure
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 63/100 · 14.8 hp · 124 kg · 865 mm seat
The Malaguti XSM125 Adventure is an agile 125cc supermoto designed for budget-conscious riders seeking nimble …